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      How'd you pick your 1st hammock     

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10/08/2020 07:27PM  
After a lifetime of sleeping on the ground, I think it's time for me to hang from the trees. At least, for some of my adventures.
I am leaning towards picking the Warbonnet Ridgerunner as my first hammock but Dutch's Chameleon and Dream Hammocks Sparrow certainly have caught my attention. I am a roller at home and shift around in a tent/sleeping bag. Perhaps a gathered end hammock would cure my rolling around.

How'd you pick your first hammock?
Curious how many people actually get to lay in a hammock before buying one. Or do most just do research and go buy one.

I've certainly enjoyed myself learning about hammocks and all the different options, accessories and techniques.

Cheers!
 
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TipsyPaddler
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10/08/2020 08:44PM  
I went the research & buy route vs. try & buy route. I started with the WB Ridgerunner and used it for two seasons. Then I switched to the WB Blackbird XLC and used it the last two seasons. I prefer the BB XLC but both are great hammocks. The sales that Warbonnet holds around Thanksgiving and Christmas are great times to buy hammock gear.
 
10/08/2020 10:46PM  
I also researched a bit and then purchased without trying. My first was a Hennessy Ultralight Backpacker that I picked up as an REI scratch and dent. I wanted to try a Warbonnet Blackbird so that was my next purchase. I didn't sleep as well in that, so when the Dutchware Chameleon came out on Kickstarter I bought that to try, and It's currently my go-to hammock. I like it's versatility and all of the available accessories. Have fun exploring hammock camping; it's a fun rabbit hole to go down!
 
10/09/2020 05:03AM  
If I had never tried a hammock before, I would go to Wal Mart and buy a very basic big double hammock. One can be had for about $20. Try that one in the back yard or basement for a bit and go from there.

My first was actually one of the cheap blue tarps I always take car camping. I made a simple gathered end hammock and hung it with rope. No fancy suspension straps or hardware involved. I was comfortable enough in that that I decided it was worth the effort and $$ to get serious about it.
 
10/09/2020 07:13AM  
Interesting, thank you all for your comments and the photos. Its always interesting looking at set ups... split snake skins; that seems like a no brainer!

I've played with cheap hammocks in my past, just nothing serious. I brought a cheapie with us last year on a few canoe trips just for lounging and naps; it was nice. I had one in the military that I used a few times; Panama and Louisiana aren't the best sleeping on the ground areas. I can't remember sleeping in it at all...I must have been exhausted.

I will keep on reading and watching YouTube vids and wait for the holiday sales.

Thanks!!

 
BearBurrito
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10/09/2020 07:41AM  
I bought a grand trunk skeeter beater to start because it was the cheapest one I could find that looked half decent with a bug net. It worked just fine for me for the first five years. I have since upgraded to a zippered bug net hammock from hammock gear, and love it. If it was me I would start with something relatively cheap and make sure I enjoy sleeping in a hammock before I dropped a lot of money on the higher end ones.
 
10/09/2020 08:54AM  
I bought a cheap gathered end on Amazon and hated it so much I almost gave up on Hammocks. I like you move around a lot and I like to be on my side while sleeping. Then I discovered bridge hammocks. After much reading and YouTube videos I bought a WB RR and love it! I will never sleep on the ground again if possible. I talked so much about how comfortable it was that 1 of my trip partners got one for this years trip. He said he has never slept better in the BW. Our 3rd partner is buying one for next years trip. It can get expensive but to me it’s worth it for a great nights sleep.
 
Wayouttroy
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10/09/2020 09:07AM  
I did a lot of research on this site and Hammock Forms, the key for me is how I sleep , I’m a back sleeper, the people on this site and Hammock Forms gave a great reviews on the bridge type hammock, flatter lie. I bought the Warbonnet RR, this hammock comfort is better than my bed! I’ll never go back to the ground!
 
TipsyPaddler
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10/09/2020 02:09PM  
muddy: "... split snake skins; that seems like a no brainer! "


I prefer a single snake skin for the tarp. Tried the two split skins but the air pocket trapped in the middle was a regular hassle. Doubly so if doing before the morning coffee!

I also recommend a similar contraption, called a catch all sack, for the hammock which encloses the top quilt, hammock, under quilt and under quilt protector in one large but highly compressible sausage shaped package for quick set up and take down.

I got both from Simply Light Designs and they were well worth the very modest cost.
 
Wayouttroy
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10/09/2020 05:00PM  
TipsyPaddler: "
muddy: "... split snake skins; that seems like a no brainer! "



I prefer a single snake skin for the tarp. Tried the two split skins but the air pocket trapped in the middle was a regular hassle. Doubly so if doing before the morning coffee!


I also recommend a similar contraption, called a catch all sack, for the hammock which encloses the top quilt, hammock, under quilt and under quilt protector in one large but highly compressible sausage shaped package for quick set up and take down.


I got both from Simply Light Designs and they were well worth the very modest cost."

+1
 
10/11/2020 08:52AM  
TipsyPaddler: "
muddy: "... split snake skins; that seems like a no brainer! "



I prefer a single snake skin for the tarp. Tried the two split skins but the air pocket trapped in the middle was a regular hassle. Doubly so if doing before the morning coffee!


I also recommend a similar contraption, called a catch all sack, for the hammock which encloses the top quilt, hammock, under quilt and under quilt protector in one large but highly compressible sausage shaped package for quick set up and take down.


I got both from Simply Light Designs and they were well worth the very modest cost."

I prefer the snake skins as a pair because it allows me to deploy and stake out either side of the fly independently in a strong wind depending on the prevailing direction. I have mesh snake skins made by Mountain Goat (cottage vendor) which trap a minimal amount of air.
 
10/11/2020 04:07PM  
Thanks all for you input and insight; appreciated.

Think I will hit up my 1 friend who has a hammock and see if I can borrow it (gathered end).

I am still leaning towards the WBRR, wait for the holidays and see if there are any sales.

 
10/12/2020 08:05PM  
I had tried some GE hammocks in the yard and ended up getting a WB RR for the flat lay (side-to-side as much as head-to-foot), and I still love it. Bought it without trying it - however I read a lot first.

Wish it weighed less, but it's a good piece of kit and I used it on 4 paddling trips this year.
 
11/10/2020 09:33AM  
I started reading the posts right here in this forum and decided on the Chameleon. Not sure I'll buy any others as it suite me. It's easy to set up perfectly the first time within minutes and it's high quality. I also purchased a rectangle tarp from Dutch. That's a rabbit hole I'm sure I'll down because there are so many good ones out there for different conditions. However, my second night with that tarp it rained like I've never experienced in all of my days of camping and nothing got wet. Great stuff.
Seriously, two days into a completely new, off the ground set up and I had it dialed in tight as a drum.
Hammocks rock.
 
HayRiverDrifter
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03/15/2021 10:35PM  
I started with a $20 hammock I bought on Woot.com. Used my thermarest under me, my sleeping bag, and my CCS tarp. I did not want to spend a bunch of money only to find out I did not like it.

Then I did a bunch of research and bought a Dutchware Chameleon and really like it. I have the 20 degree Econ HG quilts and like them a lot also. The only issue I have is my heals get sore. I tried lowering my head some and that helps.
 
Pilgrimpaddler
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03/16/2021 08:37PM  
I read posts here, then read some things in the hammock forums, then started watching Shug videos (many Shug videos) and finally decided to the pull the trigger on a Superior insulated hammock with suspension, tarp and now an integrated bugnet. It won’t arrive for a few weeks but I’m excited to try it out on my May 22 trip. I already have an EE Revelation quilt so other than some accessories I’m set. I know that a lot of hangers like modular systems but I’m looking to start with simplicity but still good quality stuff.
 
05/23/2021 02:27PM  
Great discussion. I came here to ask pretty much the same question, so I'll just hope on this ride!

I enjoy lounging in my hammock but have only tried to overnight once. I have an ENO doublenest with a ENO bug net but I am not a huge fan of how the bug net does not have a zipper open and I can never contort myself enough to get in synched up like I should so there seems to always be a couple buzzy companions joining me.

On my list right now are the WB options (BB, XL, and RR), the Dutchware Chameleon, and the Superior Insulated. I am a side sleeper but am also vertically challenged at just under 5'6". And while I am actively losing weight I am still a stocky 210lb. I have noticed on cool days I do get a little cool in my ENO so I will definitely want some sort of underquilt or insulation in anything but the warmest months.

Pilgrimpaddler, looks like you are in the B dub right now. Jealous. If you happen to check into this thread when you get back I'd love your review of our Superior hammock!
 
Tbridge56
member (23)member
  
06/03/2021 07:11AM  
Cricket67: "Great discussion. I came here to ask pretty much the same question, so I'll just hope on this ride!


I enjoy lounging in my hammock but have only tried to overnight once. I have an ENO doublenest with a ENO bug net but I am not a huge fan of how the bug net does not have a zipper open and I can never contort myself enough to get in synched up like I should so there seems to always be a couple buzzy companions joining me.


On my list right now are the WB options (BB, XL, and RR), the Dutchware Chameleon, and the Superior Insulated. I am a side sleeper but am also vertically challenged at just under 5'6". And while I am actively losing weight I am still a stocky 210lb. I have noticed on cool days I do get a little cool in my ENO so I will definitely want some sort of underquilt or insulation in anything but the warmest months.


Pilgrimpaddler, looks like you are in the B dub right now. Jealous. If you happen to check into this thread when you get back I'd love your review of our Superior hammock!
"


I just got a new setup from OneWind Outdoors and it seems so far to be very nice. Got the 11 ft double, burnet and 12ft tarp with doors as a package. Added the underquilt and top quilt and whole deal was under $300.00. Materials are great, got a very good review from the guy that wrote the book The Ultimate Hang.

Added a continuous tarp ridgeline from Dutchware and it makes it a really easy setup.



 
06/19/2021 02:03PM  
Somehow started watching Shug on youtube in 2008. He got hold of a Warbonnet Blackbird and reviewed it. In winter 2009 I bought one and an early design of the Superfly with snap on/off doors. I still use that set up today.
 
santacruz
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06/20/2021 05:51AM  
I also started watching shug videos. Started with a Hennessy Hammock and it just continued to spiral into the hammock research , more videos, trial and error, and now i have the setup I like, but don't use it much :) One never know's when it will come in handy, so I have kept it. Dutchware Chameleon, Dutchware tarp, Top quilt, bottom quilt, all the accessories you can imagine. Get a 11 ft. from the start, you will enjoy the extra length.
 
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